University of Akron 2015 Guide For Parents

2015–2016 A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

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University of Akron Guide Comprehensive advice and information for student success Welcome to The University of Akron!

Words of Welcome from Residence Life & Housing Residence Life & Housing FAQ Living-Learning Communities Office of Student Accounts/Bursar Parents’ Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Career Center: Connecting Your Student to Career Success Parents & Family Association Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Parent Questions Athletics Campus Map UA Counseling and Testing Center Office of International Programs 2015–2016 Academic Calendar Helpful Phone Numbers Helpful Websites Akron Area Resources

www.universityparent.com/uakron

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WELCOME TO The University of Akron!

Sending a student off to college is a time of both excitement and anxiety for many families.

For some of you, this may be your first child heading off on a new adventure; for others, this may be a process with which you are already familiar.

Either way, all of us here at UA know that there are a lot of questions that come up as this major life change takes place.

The time your student spends in college will be one of the most memorable times in his or her life! As the parent or family member of one of our newest Zips, you play an important role in supporting your student’s success in college. Though many of the experiences students have in college happen on their own, we know that it is so helpful for students to have the support of parents and family members along the way.

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This UniversityParent Guide has been created with you in mind. It is meant to be an informative resource and to serve as a conversation starter for you with your student as he or she encounters different opportunities, experiences, and challenges during this first year of college.

We hope you will use this resource, along with the many others provided to you during your New Student Orientation program, to help start and continue those important conversations with your students. Parents are often our greatest allies in student success! We thank you for partnering with us to help your student become a successful Zip from day one to graduation day.

Sincerely, Carly DeBord New Student Orientation (330) 972-2622 www.uakron.edu/nso orientation@uakron.edu

The University of Akron

Words of Welcome from Residence Life & Housing

One of the things that we hope you and your student will find in the Department of Residence Life and Housing is a cheerful and honest invitation to become engaged in The University of Akron.

Sure our residence hall student organizations have won countless national awards over the years, and our residential program collaborates with our academic departments to create “Living Learning Communities.” And sure, we can continue all of these activities, and we will, but right now we are more interested in sharing with your student our most sincere and enthusiastic invitation to become engaged in our opportunities. www.universityparent.com/uakron

Whether listening to a singer-songwriter during one of our award winning coffee houses, running for an office in a hall government, or just spending time with their new friends and the resident assistant, our students will have an opportunity to become a part of our traditions. And we hope this process will begin as your student sets foot on our campus during our annual Week of Welcome. One of our proudest traditions, Week of Welcome provides an opportunity for our “emerging leaders” (students participating in the department’s Emerging Leaders Program) to reach out and connect with our new students during their first days on campus. We have learned time and time again that students who learn to laugh with us will also love to learn with us.

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While we cannot invite the families of our students to be a part of each of these opportunities themselves, we are excited to extend a special invitation to you to partner with us. The love and support you offer your student combined with the guidance and experience of our administrative, hall and student staff makes the realization of your student’s dreams one step closer to reality. In turn, we offer our support to you as well as your student, and encourage you to call, write, or email us often.

We are here to help and look forward to speaking with you about whatever questions or concerns occur in the life of your student. But we are also hopeful you will join us for our family receptions during Homecoming and Family Weekend or during our annual Sibs Saturday.

Housing Availability & Assignments All first-year freshman students are required to reside in university residence halls for their freshman academic year (fall and spring semesters) so long as space is available or unless otherwise exempted.

All residence hall students are required to have a meal plan, except residents in the Exchange Street Apartments, where kitchen facilities are available. Residents with kitchen facilities may purchase a meal plan if they so choose. On-campus housing continues to be in demand. We encourage students to apply for housing

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early. Online housing applications are only made available to students who have committed to the University by paying the confirmation fee. Students will receive specific housing assignment information in late July.

We are here to help and look forward to speaking with you about whatever questions or concerns occur in the life of your student.

The University of Akron

Residence Life & Housing FAQ Q:

When will my student find out where they are living and who their roommates are?

A:

Room assignments are made available to students in late July. We will also include contact information for all of their roommates provided they have given us permission to release their personal information. Please do not purchase coordinating dÊcor until you receive official confirmation of your student’s roommate. We make every effort to assign mutual requests, but are unable to guarantee all roommate preferences.

Q:

What kinds of stuff does my student need to bring to furnish their new room?

A:

Housing will provide a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe or built-in closet. The rest is up to your student’s imagination. Check out our departmental FAQs where you can find a list of items to bring: www.uakron.edu/reslife/move-in-guide/what-to-bring.dot.

Q:

When does my student move in to their residence hall?

A:

Freshmen will generally move in the week before classes start, giving your student an opportunity to get settled and attend activities and events that occur throughout the week and weekend.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

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Q:

Does my student have to get the meningitis and hepatitis B vaccinations before they move-in?

A:

While your student is not required to have the vaccinations, the University does recommend it. Regardless, they are required by law to let us know either way by completing the disclosure question when applying for housing. Failure to answer this question may result in an incomplete application.

Q: A:

What do I do if my student needs to cancel their housing contract?

Q:

What happens if my student was assigned to a building that wasn’t one of their choices?

A:

Prior to their arrival, they should contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing. After their arrival please contact their building staff, resident director (RD), residence life coordinator (RLC) or resident assistant (RA).

Please note that requests are not guaranteed.

Contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing by calling (330) 972-7800 or by emailing us at reslife@uakron.edu.

The University of Akron

Living-Learning Communities

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are established to provide distinctive settings where student academic success is supported through residential experiences. LivingLearning Communities bring academics into the residence halls through on-site classes, advising and referral services, tutors, and special opportunities to interact with faculty.

The goal of our Living-Learning Communities is four-fold: •

Provide special attention to first-year students while offering mentoring opportunities to upperclassmen.

•

Focus on academic achievement in a productive and supportive setting.

•

Foster the joining of the scholarly and social aspects of student life.

•

Promote collaboration among faculty, staff and students.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

Below you will find descriptions of our current Living-Learning Communities.

Share these with your student, as they are written “to” them!

Upon successfully completing a Housing Contract and selecting a LLC preference, students must also complete the LivingLearning Community application to be considered for participation.

Army ROTC The Army ROTC Community will provide an additional level of support to first year cadets. This community offers the cadets the opportunity to live with other students that share the same work ethic and values while building better camaraderie and cohesiveness. All members of the community will be required to participate in ROTC and take a military science class.

Arts All School of Arts students are eligible to participate in the Arts Living-Learning Community. Artists, designers and other art students can join their peers in an environment that fosters more effective creative development and study, with studio and exhibition space, arts programming and learning cohorts.

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Athletic Training

Emerging Leaders Program (EL)

Interested in sports, physical activities, injury treatment, and helping people?

Athletic training could be of interest to you. Athletic training is a blend of helping individuals who participate in physical activities and facilitating prevention and recovery from injuries. Students in this community with have the chance to use peer support with academic coursework and the ability to get connected to upperclass students and faculty within the major.

Be part of an exciting program that has won regional and national recognition.

This group lives in Ritchie Hall, SislerMcFawn Hall and the fifth floor of the Honors Complex and is part of the Major Events Committee of the Residence Hall Program Board. EL Application is required.

Business Considering a career in business? Join other first-year business majors to engage in a common living and an opportunity to take common courses with a shared focus. As a participant, explore the world of business in a growing global economy with chances to engage College of Business Administration faculty, connect with a variety of business majors, and programs designed just for the community!

Communications The means of communication continues to evolve and change. From radio, television, and publications, to the internet and social media, the opportunities to share information surround us. Planning on majoring in organizational communication, interpersonal and public communication, media production, journalism, public relations, or radio and television? This community may pique your interest!

Dance and Theater Explore your creative and intellectual potential! The Dance and Theatre LLC is your ticket to innovative dance and theater performances as well as specialized programs offered just to LLC participants.

This community often attends Broadway productions at E.J. Thomas Performance Arts Hall on campus, hosts a Strike Your Pose photo shoot to build your portfolio, and more!

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Education Seeking the chance to impact the lives of others through the classroom? Whether you are pursuing early childhood or young adult (AYA) education, this community sets out to spark the creative mind with resources to enhance your skill sets for the classroom.

First2GO! Are you the first in your family to go to college? This is an exciting time for both you and your family, and this community provides the tools you need to be successful. Students in this community will take a fall semester Student Success Seminar, be provided with individualized mentoring, be offered an opportunity for paid employment to assist with finances, and families will be connected to the community through a monthly e-newsletter.

Health Professions Exploring a career in the health professions? Whether you are majoring in dietetics, nutrition, child life, family and consumer science, family development, child, development or Social Work, this community is great opportunity for you!

Create a vibrant community, supporting and enriching each other as you advance towards careers in the field.

Men in Engineering (MIE) Build, construct, design, formulate, and more in the Men in Engineering LLC! This community is committed to the development of highly-qualified and professionally-responsible engineers.

The University of Akron

Students in this community will engage with various engineering disciplines through field trips to engineering firms, peer study groups, guest speakers, and more.

Nursing “Nursing transforms!� That’s the motto of the School of Nursing. A transformation journey as you embark on your quest to being a Nurse, the School of Nursing and this community provide you the tools and connections to help achieve your goals. Live together and learn together.

Participants in this community will take selected prerequisite courses together.

Service and Civic Engagement Lead through service to others. This community is a great home for students with a passion for making a difference, a desire to build leadership skills, and a passion to be active citizens in the community. Students in this community will take a fall semester Student Success Seminar and a spring leadership course focused on becoming a servant leader.

The ability to change the world begins with you! Join us in our mission to lead through service.

Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

Test your limits! Expose yourself to new adventures! Stay active! Interested in physical activities? Join the Outdoor Adventure LLC for thrilling programs throughout the semester. Students will test their skills in activities such as teambuilders, rock wall climbing, Battleship in the ONAT, bike trips, trail hikes, and more!

Designed for speech pathology/audiology majors, participants have the chance to share their passion for helping people with speech and language disorders along with hearing impairments. This community provides students with the opportunity to connect and build immediate relationships with residents in the same major and classes as well as with supporting faculty and staff.

Pre-Law

Women in Engineering (WIE)

Considering law school or law enforcement? This community is open to any major interested in pursuing a law degree or going into law enforcement after college. Participants will have the opportunity to network with guest speakers, engage in conflict resolution, and host a mock trial.

Take advantage of mentoring, trips to engineering firms, study support, guest speakers and social activities.

Inspired by the popular SEE UA Camp (Summer Experience in Engineering), this community of female engineering students collaborates closely with the Men in Engineering LLC.

Outdoor Adventure

Pre-Med Is medical school in your future after college? Whether you venture into major in biology, chemistry, physics, etc., join the Pre-Med LLC in a diverse community of academic disciplines. Participants will benefit from peer study groups, specialized programming only open to participants, and the academic resources of upper-class student mentors within the community.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

Living-Learning Communities bring academics into the residence halls.

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Office of Student Accounts/Bursar

The University of Akron tries to offer as many self-service options as possible for the student’s convenience. The Office of Student Accounts/ Bursar has also added the functionality (Parent Access) for parents or other persons if authorized by the student to view the student account balance and pay the bill, or sign up for the University payment plan.

The University is governed by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). The University respects students’ interest in their educational records.

Therefore, the University limits access to those records except where access is authorized by law or by the student.

Students can authorize release of information to a parent/guardian in person through the Registrar’s Office with a picture ID. This may be a frustration to parents, but parents should communicate with the student and make sure they are aware of issues that are important if they are responsible for paying the invoice.

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For more FERPA information, visit www.uakron.edu/ogc/legal-policiesand-procedures/privacy-practices-andpolicies/ferpa.dot.

The Office of Student Accounts recommends that the student refer to their My Akron account online to confirm daily updates of their registration, financial aid, or other changes to their charges such as meal plans and housing. Students are notified by their university email to view their e-Bill online. Paper bills are not mailed.

If the student has Anticipated Aid displayed on their account, this amount will be used to reduce the amount due.

25% of the net balance is required as the down payment on the payment plan, along with a $35.00 application fee. Sign up online through student’s My Akron account. The payment plan closes after the first week of the term.

If Financial Aid paperwork is complete, Financial Aid will be disbursed 10 days prior to the start of the term. For information about billing, due dates, payment options, refund policy, tuition and fees, visit www.uakron.edu/student-accounts.

The University of Akron

Parents’ Guide to the

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects your college student’s privacy and grants him or her exclusive right to view and share education records such as grades, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact information, and class schedules. Under the law, colleges and universities may not disclose education records to anyone other than the student. www.universityparent.com/uakron

FERPA’s restrictions often frustrate parents, especially parents who pay for tuition. But, as College Parents of America suggests, “Rather than seeing this legislation as a barrier to good college parenting, parents might see this as an important opportunity for meaningful dialogue with a student.”

Building a healthy relationship with your student is about giving enough independence to grow, while being there to offer support when a mistake occurs.

When it comes to grades, talk to your student as an adult. Voice your opinions, but respect your student’s decisions.

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There is so much more to being a college parent than just checking in on grades at the end of the semester. And at that point it’s too late to have an impact.

For parents whose students are not forthcoming with grades, there are several things to do to build trust and communication: •

Be available early in the semester to help set academic goals for studying and grades.

•

Show support during stressful times like finals week by sending encouraging emails and care packages.

•

Ask questions about your student’s classes and what is being learned; show that you’re interested in more than just grades.

•

•

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Then, after supporting your student through the whole semester, ask if your student would like to share grades with you.

Respect the decision whatever it might be.

Continue to support your student academically.

As far as working within the restrictions of FERPA, support your student in taking personal responsibility for transcripts and financial obligations.

Although this legislation restricts parents from involvement in many ways, it also empowers students to grow in independence. Encourage your student to be aware of his or her rights, which will help them to take ownership over their education.

Key Things to Remember about FERPA •

Colleges and universities cannot disclose academic information to parents without written consent from the student.

•

Don’t be frustrated by this law. Use it as an opportunity to help your student grow independent.

•

Support your student academically throughout the year and not just when grades are released.

The University of Akron

Career Center: Connecting Your Student to Career Success The Career Center assists students and alumni with career planning by offering programming and individual career advising as early as their freshman year!

Our Career Center staff is knowledgeable regarding current employment trends and job search strategies.

We actively assist students at every stage of their career search with: •

Choosing a major and career path

•

Resume and cover letter writing skills

•

Interview preparation and mock interviews with employers

•

Finding relevant learning opportunities such as internships and co-ops

•

Part-time employment while in college

•

Preparation for graduate school

•

Professional job search strategies

The University of Akron strongly supports relevant learning! Relevant learning helps students gain experience related to their major and increases their marketability upon graduation. www.universityparent.com/uakron

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Please encourage your student to explore relevant learning options such as: •

Internships and co-ops

•

Student organization leadership and campus involvement

•

Volunteering

•

Faculty-led research and projects

•

Clinicals, practicums, field experience and student teaching

•

Study abroad

•

Service learning

•

Career related student employment

Students should also take advantage of dynamic and interactive Career Center programming, such as Career Fairs, Etiquette Dinners, workshops and employer info-sessions. Many of these events include on-campus interviews and networking with employers who are specifically seeking to hire UA students!

In addition, the Career Center maintains an electronic job board, Career Link, with full-time/part-time and co-op/internship opportunities. Students and alumni may register online and upload their resumes to view listings and allow employers to view their resume.

Please encourage your student to start visiting the Career Center as a freshman to help prepare for their future!

Student Union 211 www.uakron.edu/career (330) 972-7747 18

Parents & Family Association The Parents & Family Association looks forward to working with you! The Association is coordinated by university staff, advised by the newly formed Parent Council, and guided by the needs and interests of our parents and families.

We provide timely information and additional support for our parents and families with our monthly electronic newsletter and Facebook page.

We also maintain a website focused on the priorities of our families, and we have provided a phone number and email address for you to use to contact us with specific questions or concerns.

We look forward to hearing from you! www.facebook.com/ZipParents pfa@uakron.edu www.uakron.edu/pfa (330) 972-PFA3 (7323)

The University of Akron

Top Ten Most Frequently

Asked Parent Questions

Q:

Why can’t I go to my student’s advising appointment?

A:

In 1974, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was passed as a United States law. FERPA passes the right to privacy onto students when they reach the age of eighteen or attend an institution beyond the high school level. This right to privacy means that you are not permitted into your student’s academic advising appointment today at orientation, even though you may be helping to pay for school. Don’t worry. Because UA’s course registration is completed online, you will have a chance to see your student’s schedule and to talk about the courses that he or she will be taking during the upcoming semester! If a change needs to be made to your student’s schedule, the change can be made online with the permission of your student’s academic adviser.

Q:

Why is Orientation mandatory?

A:

It takes a great deal of hard work, persistence and determination to be successful in college. Students need information about academics, registration, housing/commuting, campus life, financial aid, and student services, all of which will be covered at orientation today! Orientation provides for students all of the tools that they need to be successful at The University of Akron.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

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Q:

How safe is UA’s campus?

A:

The University of Akron has taken many steps to ensure the safety of its students. We have our own campus police department, along with the City of Akron’s police department patrolling our campus. Emergency phones that have a quick response time in case trouble arises are placed in strategic areas all across campus. Despite the many safety precautions in place, however, students need to be smart when they are on campus, especially after dark and in more secluded areas of campus. Students are cautioned to walk in groups. If students need to be on campus alone, they can call UA’s police department for a campus escort to walk them to their cars or residence hall rooms until midnight every night. Students should use caution at all times, just as they would in any city at night.

Q:

Can my student earn a degree in four years?

A:

Earning a degree in four years depends on many factors. Most degrees at The University of Akron require 128 hours of coursework. This can be completed in four years if they complete 16 hours per semester. However, depending on the program there may be additional requirements that coincide with your student’s coursework. For example, students seeking specific engineering degrees must complete a yearlong multi-semester Co-Op internship experience in addition to 128 hours of coursework.

These specific degrees are designed for students to graduate in five years.

Another factor that plays a role in a student’s graduating pace is how much developmental coursework is needed. Developmental courses are designed for students to develop the skills they need for general college level classes.

These additional classes are then added to the total number of credit hours required. Moreover, many students have outside obligations that can limit the number of credit hours attempted in one semester. Students that work and volunteer either full-time or part-time, as well as go to school, may not be able to handle 16 credit hours every semester. If a student is not on pace to graduate in four years, summer courses are available and serve as a great way to catch up on coursework.

The University of Akron

Q:

Which is better: living on campus or commuting?

A:

Residence Hall life and commuting both have positive aspects. Living in a residence hall provides students with a sense of independence and personal responsibility, even though they have a strong community around them! Living in the halls is a great way to meet new people and to become immersed in the college social life. Conversely, commuting gives students a great opportunity to save money and focus on schoolwork, while adjusting to the many challenges of college life and academics. UA provides excellent services for students that do not live on campus such as Off Campus Student Services, located on the first floor of the Student Union. Off Campus Student Services makes sure that our non-residential students get to meet new people and become immersed in the college community!

Q:

Does my student need a car on campus?

A:

Unlike some schools, UA’s freshmen are allowed to park on campus. Each student taking more than five credit hours per semester is charged a $160 transportation fee that covers the cost of a parking permit and use of the Roo Express Campus Shuttle Service. Having a car on campus has its positives and negatives. On the plus side, it allows students to go home on the weekends, explore the city and surrounding areas, and go to nearby shopping areas when necessary. On the negative side, with so many commuters and staff who have to park on campus every day, parking can become a bit tense at times, especially in the lots right next to residence halls. Also, everything your student would need is readily available on campus.

Q:

How can I get money to my student?

A:

The easiest way to give your student money (and to know what it’s being used for!) is to put it on his or her Zip Card. Your student’s Zip Card can be used like a debit card anywhere that they are accepted, including locations such as, on-campus eateries, campus fast food restaurants, pizza places, and health services on campus, just to name a few! You can add money to your student’s Zip Card by going online to www.zipcardonline.net.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

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Q:

A:

What is there to do around campus?

The City of Akron has a great deal to offer! The Akron Rubber Ducks play baseball in their state-of-the-art stadium downtown. Free concerts are given at Lock 3 Live all summer long. UA is also home to E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall where Broadway shows and the UA Forum Speaker Series are presented throughout the year! All locations are a short walk from campus If the city doesn’t offer enough, there are three shopping malls within a half hour’s drive from campus: Chapel Hill Mall in Akron, Summit Mall in Fairlawn, and Belden Village Mall in North Canton. Even Cleveland is only about forty minutes away!

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Q:

Should my student bring a desktop computer or a laptop?

A:

It’s all about preference! A student does not need to have his or her own computer to be successful at UA. We have computer labs in almost every building, and because the Student Union and the library have laptops available for checkout during their hours of operation, there are computers available all over campus! Many students, however, prefer to have their own computer. Desktop computers are a good choice because they are easy to upgrade and have a very small chance of being left behind or stolen. There is a hardwire Ethernet connection available in all residence hall rooms, along with wireless Internet, which are provided free of charge. Laptops, on the other hand, are very convenient, because students can take them to class to take notes on or to complete homework wherever they are on campus.

Q:

Should my student have a job?

A:

Having a job will obviously take time away that could be spent studying; however, many students either want to work to have spending money or need to work to help pay for school. The best suggestion is an on-campus job at UA. On-campus jobs have very flexible hours because our offices recognize that their employees are always students first! There are many work study and non-work study positions available on campus. Visit www.uakron.edu/career/student-employment for a list of both on and off campus jobs, and be sure that your student applies early! Working is a great way to make connections in different offices on campus, and it also gives your student an opportunity to learn to manage his or her time effectively.

The University of Akron

Athletics

The University of Akron’s Department of Athletics sponsors 19 varsity intercollegiate teams with 450 student-athletes and 175 coaches, staff, administrators and graduate assistants.

With a unique nickname in college athletics, the Zips are known nationally because of the success of our teams and the passion of our fans, so much so that other schools “Fear The Roo!” We belong to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and are members of the MidAmerican Conference.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

We won the 2010 NCAA title in Men’s Soccer, the school’s first team national championship, and both basketball programs have recently captured MAC titles as well.

In December 2013, Zips Athletics unveiled its strategic plan, titled IMPACT 2020, which includes our new mission statement: To have a positive and meaningful impact on the people and communities we serve.

More information about IMPACT 2020 is available at GoZips.com/IMPACT2020. (continued on p. 26)

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Administrative Services Building ASB 45 Mary Gladwin Hall MGH Akron Polymer Training Center APTC 40 Goodyear Polymer Center GDYR Auburn Science and Engineering Center ASEC 28 Guzzetta Hall GH Ayer Hall AYER 91 Honors Complex HC Ballet Center BC 6 Hower House HOW Bierce Library LIB 99 InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field ICS Buchtel Field BF 44 Knight Chemical Laboratory KNCL Buchtel Hall BH 52 Kolbe Hall KO Buckingham Building BCCE 51 Leigh Hall LH 464 Carroll Street Building CSBL 7 100 Lincoln Street Building LINC Carroll Street Substation ESUB 18 Martin University Center PMUC Center for Child Development CCD 27 McDowell Law Center LAW College of Arts & Sciences Building CAS 3 National Polymer Innovation Center NPIC College of Business 65 Ocasek Natatorium ONAT Administration Building CBA 34 Olin Hall OLIN Computer Center COMP 10 Olson Research Center OLRC Crouse Hall CRH 76 Parking Deck East PDE Exchange Parking Deck EXPD 20 Parking Deck North PDN Express Building EB 102 Parking Deck South PDS Fir Hill Plaza FHP 13 Physical Facilities Operations Center PFOC Folk Hall FOLK 12 Polymer Engineering Academic Center PEAC 178 South Forge Street (Wonder Bread) WBB 22 Polsky Building POL Forge Street Substation FSUB 56 James A. Rhodes Health and Gas Turbine Testing Facility GTTF Physical Education Building JAR

Academic, Administrative and Multipurpose Buildings

Whee le

Kli 60 9 82 21 14 98 23 41 46 68 50

89

94 29 62 63 24 1 92 88

Brow

n St.

ryn P Kath Roadway Building RDWY Robertson Dining Hall RD Schrank Hall North SHN Schrank Hall South SHS 277 South Broadway Street Building BROD 32 South College Street Building SUP Simmons Hall SI Louis and Freda Stile Athletics Field House AFLD Student Recreation and Wellness Center SRWC Student Union STUN Thermal Storage Tank TANK Townhouses TOWN E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall PAH Trecaso Building TRE Quaker Square QSQR West Campus Parking Deck WCPD West Hall WEST Whitby Hall WHIT Wolf Ledges Engineering Building WLEB Zook Hall ZOOK

Kirn Av

r St.

e.

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2014

Bulger Residence Hall BRH Exchange Street Residence Hall EXC Honors Complex HC Orr Residence Hall ORH Ritchie Residence Hall RRH Sisler-McFawn Residence Hall SMRH South Hall SH Spanton Residence Hall SRH Spicer Residence Hall SPR Quaker Square Inn QSI

Alpha Delta Pi Sorority (ΑΔΠ) Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority (ΑΓΔ) Delta Gamma Sorority (ΔΓ) Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority (ΚΚΓ) Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity (ΛΧΑ) Lone Star Fraternity (ΠΚΕ) Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (ΦΔΘ) Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (FIJI) Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity (ΦΚΤ) Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity (ΦΣΚ) Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (ΣΑΕ) Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity (ΤΚΕ) Theta Chi Fraternity (ΘΧ)

I-76 & I-77

Fraternities and Sororities 74 66 54 68 16 75 55 70 53 69 72 19 73

St.

37 64 91 30 36 39 103 38 58 98

St.

ange

E. Exch

.

Nash St

Residence Halls

Powe

Crouse

LOT 9 Goodkirk St.

(continued from p. 23)

Find us Online The best source for everything you need to know — schedules, statistics, stories and more — about Zips Athletics is the department’s official website, GoZips.com.

The Zips also have a strong presence in social media, especially Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Visit GoZips.com/Connect to connect with the Zips!

Here’s where the Zips compete on campus: •

FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field (soccer)

•

InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field (football)

•

James A. Rhodes Arena (basketball, volleyball)

•

Lee R. Jackson Field complex (baseball, softball, outdoor track and field)

•

Ocasek Natatorium (swimming and diving)

•

Pinn Shooting Range at Shrank Hall (rifle)

•

Stile Athletics Field House (indoor track and field, golf indoor facility)

•

Outdoor Tennis Outdoor Courts

Attend Games Admission is free to home Zips contests for UA students with a valid Zip Card.

Simply swipe in at the student gate to get in — and you automatically will earn points that can be redeemed for great prizes through our ROO-WARDS program!

Visit GoZips.com/ROOwards for more information and to register for free.

Family and friends of UA students can purchase tickets and accompany the student in general-admission seating areas. Tickets can be purchased at GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling 1 (888) 99-AKRON (25766).

World-Class Facilities The University has built or renovated numerous on-campus athletic facilities in the last decade, providing a first-class experience for the student-athletes as well as the student body. Our student fan group, the AK-Rowdies, is nationally known for their loud and proud presence at Zips basketball, football and soccer games.

26

The University of Akron

UA Counseling and Testing Center College can be an exciting and also stressful time for students. The counseling and testing center counseling and psychotherapy services teach students to adapt to the multiple roles of becoming a college student, manage stress, increase self-confidence, enhance relationships with family and friends and decrease depression and anxiety. Students can also attend psycho-educational workshops on various topics such as study skills, substance use and eating concerns.

The Counseling and Testing Center offers free, confidential and comprehensive psychological services to students.

Our diverse staff of licensed psychologists and doctoral trainees provides counseling and psychotherapy, career decision making counseling, psychological assessment, psychoeducational outreach and consultation to the University community. Our testing personnel administer a variety of national standardized and on-campus tests.

www.universityparent.com/uakron

Career decision-making counseling is available for students who need to choose or decide to change their major. They may meet individually with a psychologist, in a group and/or use an extensive array of online services on the webpage.

Testing is used to assess ADD/ADHD and learning disorder concerns to help students identify their academic strengths and growth areas. National standardization tests such as the ACT are administered. Additionally, be sure to check out the CLEP Exam that gives students college credit.

For more information, please visit www.uakron.edu/counseling.

27

Office of International Programs Study Abroad Students at The University of Akron have a wide variety of study abroad program options in almost any academic field and geographic location, including exchanges, facultydirected programs, internships, service-learning programs and programs through outside partners.

Program durations vary from a few weeks to a full academic year.

Scholarship and grant information is available. Planning ahead helps the student to determine the best fit academically, personally and financially.

Studies have found that Study Abroad aids in improved academic performance upon returning to home campus, higher graduation rates, improved knowledge and awareness of culture practices and helps rather than hinders academic performance for atrisk students. New studies are showing a 97% employment rate within 12 months of graduation for students who study abroad. Study abroad can play an integral part in a student’s academic and cultural success at The University of Akron.

Simmons Hall 305 www.uakron.edu/oip/studyabroad (330) 972-6349 28

The University of Akron

2015–2016

Academic Calendar 2015 FALL SEMESTER Aug. 31

Day and Evening Classes Begin

Sept. 7

Labor Day

Nov. 11

Veterans Day

Nov 11

Veterans Day Observed

Nov. 26-29

Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 30

Classes Resume

Dec. 13

Final Instructional Day

Dec. 14-20

Final Examination Period

Dec. 18-19

Commencement

Dec. 22

Fall Semester Grades Due

2016 SPRING SEMESTER Jan. 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan. 19

Day and Evening Classes Begin

Feb. 16

Presidents Day Observance

March 21-27

Spring Recess

March 28

Classes Resume

May 8

Final Instructional Day

May 9-15

Final Examination Period

May 13-15

Commencement

May 17

Spring Semester Grades Due

May 22

Law School Commencement

2016 SUMMER INTERSESSION May 23

Day and Evening Classes Begin for Intersession

May 30

Memorial Day

June 12

Final Instruction Day for Intersession

2016 SUMMER SESSION I June 13

Day and Evening Classes Begin for First 5-week (5WI) and 8-week (8W) Terms

July 4

Independence Day

July 17

Final Instructional Day for First 5-week (5WI)

2016 SUMMER SESSION II July 18

Day and Evening Classes Begin for Second 5-week (5WII) Term

Aug. 7

Final Instruction Day for 8-week (8W)

Aug. 20

Commencement

Aug. 21

Final Instructional Day for Second 5-week (5WII)

Aug. 23

Summer Grades Due

www.universityparent.com/uakron

29

Helpful Phone Numbers

DEPARTMENT

30

PHONE

Campus Operator

(330) 972-7111

Career Center

(330) 972-7747

Cashiers

(330) 972-7219

Counseling Center

(330) 972-7082

Dean’s Office

(330) 972-7066

Financial Aid

(330) 972-7032

Multicultural Development

(330) 972-6769

New Student Orientation

(330) 972-2622

Off Campus Student Services

(330) 972-5500

Residence Life & Housing

(330) 972-7800

Student Health Services

(330) 972-7808

Student Life

(330) 972-7866

Summit College

(330) 972-7220

Undergraduate Admissions

(330) 972-7100

University Bookstore

(330) 972-7624

University Police

(330) 972-7123

University Registrar

(330) 972-8300

Zip Card Office

(330) 972-5637

The University of Akron

Helpful Websites DEPARTMENT

WEBSITE

Center for Academic Advising and Student Success

www.uakron.edu/advising

Admissions

www.uakron.edu/admissions

Career Center

www.uakron.edu/career

Computer Solutions

www.uakron.edu/computersolutions

Counseling Center

www.uakron.edu/counseling

Department of Residence Life & Housing

www.uakron.edu/reslife

F.E.R.P.A.

www.uakron.edu/ogc/legal-policies-andprocedures/privacy-practices-and-policies/ ferpa.dot

Financial Aid

www.uakron.edu/finaid

First Year Experience

www.uakron.edu/nso/first-year-experience

Parking

www.uakron.edu/parking

Post-Secondary

www.uakron.edu/pseop

Student Employment

www.uakron.edu/career/student-employment

Student Conduct and Community Standards

www.uakron.edu/studentconduct

Student Life

www.uakron.edu/studentlife

Student Recreation and Wellness Services

www.uakron.edu/srws

Tutoring

www.uakron.edu/tutoring

University Police

www.uakron.edu/safety/police

Zip Card Office

www.uakron.edu/zipcard

www.universityparent.com/uakron

31

Akron Area Resources

For more area resources visit www.universityparent.com/uakron

Places to Stay Comfort Inn Akron South 2873 S. Arlington Rd. Akron, OH 44312 (330) 645-1100 www.comfortinn.com Please see ad on p. 21.

Hampton Inn Stow

4331 Lakepointe Corporate Dr. Stow, OH 44224 (330) 945-4160 www.stow.hamptoninn.com Please see ad on p. 23.

Radisson Hotel Akron/Fairlawn

200 Montrose West Ave. Akron, OH 44321 (330) 666-9300 www.radisson.com/akronoh Please see ad on p. 31.

Places to Live 22 Exchange

22 E. Exchange St. Akron, OH 44308 (888) 819-1525 www.22exchange.com Please see ad on inside front cover.

Crossroads Management Realty

333 S. Main St. #702 Akron, OH 44308 (330) 762-4840 crossroadsmanagement.com Please see ad on p. 27.

Fir Hill Towers

55 Fir Hill Dr. Akron, OH 44304 (866) 777-4238 www.burtoncarol.com Please see ad on p. 10.

King Apartments

What to See & Do Don Drumm Studios & Gallery

437 Crouse St. Akron, OH (330) 253-6268 www.dondrumm.com Please see ad on p. 26.

669 Carnegie Ave. Akron, OH 44314 (330) 848-0084 www.kingapartments.com Please see ad on p. 30.

University Commons

600-602 Sherman St. Akron, OH 44311 (330) 762-1074 www.bowerymgmt.com Please see ad on p. 16.

University Town Homes of Akron 660 E. Buchtel Ave. Akron, OH www.utofakron.com Please see ad on p. 4.

Additional Services Canal Place Akron Storage 520 S. Main St., Suite 2502 Akron, OH 44311 (330) 434-8656 www.canalplace.com Please see ad on p. 3.

METRO RTA

631 S. Broadway Akron, OH 44308 (330) 762-0341 www.akronmetro.org Please see ad on p. 28.

Summit Federal Credit Union 100 Wheeler St. Akron, OH 44311 (330) 376-3626 www.summitfcu.com Please see ad on p. 8.

UniversityParent E-News www.UniversityParent.com

Where to Shop UniversityParent College Laundry Bag

www.amazon.com/gp/product/ b00k0ustye

UniversityParent’s Guide to Supporting your Student’s Freshman Year www.amazon.com/GuideSupporting-Your-StudentsFreshman/dp/0692027440

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About this Guide

For more information, please contact: University of Akron Office of New Student Orientation Phone: (330) 972-2622 www.uakron.edu/nso orientation@uakron.edu

UniversityParent has published this guide in partnership with The University of Akron with the mission of helping you easily navigate your student’s university with the most timely and relevant information available.

Discover more articles, tips and local business information by visiting the online guide at: www.universityparent.com/uakron

The presence of university/college logos and marks in this guide does not mean the school endorses the products or services offered by advertisers in this guide.

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